The Village of Clarksville is a zoned community

In 1996 the Zoning Ordinance was adopted by Village Council and in 2011 the Zoning Map was adopted. The Zoning Ordinance has been codified along with the Village Charter and General Ordinances. Title XV:Land Usage, Chapter 152:Zoning, covers all zoning related topics.

The Village of Clarksville adopted the Village Master Plan on February 7, 2011 and adopted an update on March 1, 2021. The Master Plan was developed by the Clarksville Planning Commission in conjuction with MainStreet Planning Company with input from citizens of the Village. The Master Plan is a vision of what we would like Clarksville to be in the future. This will serve as a guide to both the Planning Commission and Village Council in making both day-to-day and long-range land use decisions.

Zoning Forms and Application Process

Looking to start a project or alter the land use of your property?  Below are the Zoning Forms for the Village of Clarksville, when to use them, and the application process.  Please fill out the appropriate form and return with the applicable fee to the Village Hall.

When to Use
  • Fences
  • Excavation
  • New Building Construction
  • Additions or Enlargements to existing buildings
  • Moving a building
  • Enlargement of off street parking area
  • Deck attached to building
  • Deck if more than 30″ above grade
  • Any building constructed on footings
  • Any building 200 sq. ft. or larger
  • Signs
  • Any use authorized by Planning Commission as a special use or by site plan approval


Application Process
  1. Zoning Administrator reviews site plan or visits property
  2. Zoning Administrator determines if request is within compliance of the Zoning Ordinance
  3. Permit is issued by Village of Clarksville
  4. Applicant can then obtain Building Permit from Ionia County
When to Use
  • Any use described as Special Use per Section 152.120 of the Zoning Ordinance
  • Will be different for each Zoning District
  • A Site Plan Review is required for ALL Special Land Uses
Application Process
  1. Mailed notification is made to all properties with 300 feet of the property requesting the Special Land Use Permit
  2. Notice is published in the newspaper 15 days prior to public hearing
  3. Planning Commission holds public hearing
  4. Planning Commission follows approval guidelines as set in Section 152.115 of the Zoning Ordinance
  5. The Special Land Use Permit is approved or denied
When to Use
  • Any new non residential use
  • Any new residential use containing three or more dwelling units.
  • Alteration of buildings or property with results in the need for more parking or increase in the intensity of the use
  • Special Land Uses
  • Planned Unit Developments
  • Mobile Home Parks
Application Process
  1. A public hearing may or may not be held by the Planning Commission
  2. Planning Commission follows approval guidelines as set in Section 152.135 of the Zoning Ordinance
  3. The Site Plan is approved or denied
When to Use
  • Requesting an exemption from the current Zoning Ordinance
Application Process
  1. Mailed notification is made to all properties with 300 feet of the property requesting the Variance
  2. Notice is published in the newspaper 15 days prior to public hearing
  3. Zoning Board of Appeals holds public hearing
  4. Zoning Board of Appeals follows approval guidelines as set in Section 153.090 and 152.243.E of the Zoning Ordinance
  5. The Variance is approved or denied
When to Use
  • Requesting a change from one Zoning District to another
Application Process
  1. Mailed notification is made to all properties with 300 feet of the property requesting the rezoning
  2. Notice is published in the newspaper 15 days prior to public hearing
  3. Planning Commission holds public hearing
  4. Planning Commission follows approval guidelines as set in Section 152.150 thru 152.159 of the Zoning Ordinance as well as the referring to the Village Master Plan
  5. Planning Commission makes recommendation for approval or denial to Village Council
  6. Village Council approves or denies rezoning